Drive to support Hartlepool's heritage and cultural sites after figures show just one in five local people 'engage with culture'

And with visitor attractions of all guises have taking a huge hit during the pandemic, council chiefs added such a drive will also aim to help ensure sustainable recovery from Covid-19 and develop a vision for the town.

Denise McGuckin, director for regeneration and neighbourhoods, said Hartlepool has ‘the greatest assets and heritage’ in the country, which needs to be promoted.

She said: “Hartlepool has one of the lowest engagement rates in culture in the UK with less than 20% of our population actively engaging in culture regularly, which is such a shame because I believe Hartlepool has the greatest assets and heritage in the country and is something we really need to build upon.

“The outcome pathway will be used to inform, progress and connect key cultural programmes which are already identified and make sure we are delivering them and we’re aware of what outcomes we are trying to achieve.

“People will be placed at the heart of the cultural developments, ensuring that the future of culture is enriching the lives through health, economy, ecology and social interactions.”

Ms McGuckin was speaking at a meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council Regeneration Services Committee, which heard ‘pathways for culture’ plans are being developed which will inform the priorities for the sector in Hartlepool.

The programme will include developing the cultural event space at the Waterfront as an integral part of the improvements to the site.

It will also include the refurbishment of the Headland Amphitheatre, which has commenced, however due to the impact of Covid-19 work was suspended on site for the period of lockdown.

There is also further delay due to bird nesting season and work will recommence once the nesting season has finished.

Council chiefs will also look at the commissioning of community art/sculpture that will provide unique representations of Hartlepool and its social history

Cllr Jim Lindridge highlighted the benefits bringing Tall Ships Races to Hartlepool in 2023 could offer, if the region’s bid to host the event is selected, along with numerous other initiatives.

He said: “I think that’s why it’s paramount that we look at the Tall Ships, that would be an exciting opportunity to engage with the public again, we need to progress that as fast as we can.

“Sculptures are important, I think they are important for the town.

“When you’re getting visitors from all over the country they need to see something which they can identify with Hartlepool.

“I think the Waterfront project is really important and we’ve got to link up everything so that we’re a progressive town and I think we’re going in the right direction.”

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